5 Things Every Instrumental Music Educator Should Know
Author: Shelley Silver, Guest Contributor
Music educators spend countless hours developing curriculums, implementing lesson plans, assessing, developing, inspiring and enriching the lives of student musicians. Music teachers are ambassadors for continuing music education programs in our nations schools and are responsible for providing the many benefits of music to their students and our children. In supporting their efforts and as a former instrumental music educator, I have put together a list of 5 Things Every Instrumental Music Educator Should Know. These topics allowed me to enjoy a successful teaching career that spanned more then two decades.
Always Be Fair Yet Firm - Children actually love structure even though they don't express it that way. They like to know what is expected of them and what their boundaries are. Post your rules and boundaries. Make five classroom rules that encompass more than one area. For example: Always be respectful to your fellow classmates and teachers. This can cover many areas of disobedience. Let the students know the consequences for their actions and always follow through firmly and consistently. If there is chaos in a classroom there will be no learning. I have never seen a student who disliked a teacher because they were fair yet firm. Besides, you aren't there to make friends, you are there to teach them how to play an instrument and to help them succeed at it as well. A calm, disciplined classroom will give you the best chance for success.
Be As Knowledgeable As You Can In The Material You’re Teaching - Especially in instrumental music, the college experience can only give you so much experience on the large array of instruments that you will be asked to teach. I studied privately on all the instruments in addition to the classes at the university. If I couldn't experience the ups and downs of each instrument, how could I explain or observe it in my students. By also studying the repair of instruments and learning exactly how the instrument functions will surely put you at an advantage in your classroom. You would want all sections of your ensemble to get the best instruction, not just the section that reflects your major instrument.
Be Organized - This is such an important aspect of teaching instrumental music. The teacher must be totally ready and prepared for the lesson that is to occur. You need to have a detailed plan so there is no wasted time. You need to be set up before the children come in so you can have a prompt start. Again, your students need to know what is expected of them so you can get started. All your supplies should be organized and easily accessible so that you can remedy any situation that comes up. Most instrumental lessons are for a limited amount of time so every minute is important..
Be Creative - Make your lessons interesting. Always have back up plans so you can substitute when needed. The routine of the school will many times change which will impact on your program. Creativity will be necessary so that you can continue toward your goal. Children are all different and you may need to make accommodations so that everyone can get the most out of the program. Creativity will keep your program moving in the right direction.
Time Management Is A Must - Know your time limits well. Be sure you are organized so you can keep in your time limits. Have your priorities so you can substitute or put emphasis on the most important things. Keep your classroom disciplined so you don't waste time with unnessasary activity. Again being firm in what you want from the children will help in your time management. Have much routine in your teaching so the children pretty much know what is coming next so the class with run smoothly.
Always remember who’s the boss (not the show, although that was great), however, remember to have fun. Your students will need to see that you are human and have a sense of humor as well. I hope I have provided you with useful insight and wish you and your students the very best. Enjoy!
About The Author
Multi-instrumentalist Shelley Silver has always been passionate about music. As a dedicated musician, music educator and violin technician, she continues to enjoy a successful career that has spanned more than three decades. Shelley began playing music in grade school, excelling at flute, violin and piano, before attending the University of Miami, where she studied with a world-class faculty that included Aiden Lewis and John Kinyon. She has also studied privately with Larry Ferrara to name a few. In addition to piano (her principle instrument), Shelley is also proficient playing flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and violin. She taught instrumental music in New Jersey public schools for twenty-five years, as well as privately and continues to enjoy playing piano today.